There are only 2 months left of the year and honestly I can’t believe it! I say this every year, but each passing year goes faster and faster… as they say, time flies! As I’m sure you also feel, this time of the year brings me mixed feelings … happiness because it was a good year, fear because I have too much work to do and not enough time, love because I really like this time of the year, and excitement for what the new year will bring. It’s usually now that I start looking for new things and inspiration to end the year on a happy note and start the next one with something to look forward to. I start searching for new recipes and ingredients, reading old notes I leave behind with recipe ideas or cookbook projects, and I start cooking! Recipe testing is one of my favorite things to do (the eating part is also great), and many of you don’t know this but I DO TEST ALL MY RECIPES! Sometimes they work, sometimes they need tweeking, and other times they are complete disasters. I bet you all know what I’m talking about. The process is long, but it’s a good process.

My mom gave a book by Sunday Suppers (If you do not know the brand I invite you to visit their page and fall in love with their table settings and recipes) where I found a recipe for a cake with olive oil that caught my attention. I read it several times and began to modify it and change it to fit my cooking style. The original recipe book has 5 cups sugar, 6 eggs, 4 cups white flour and 3 cups whole milk, which seemed excessive and very unhealthy. I did several tests and came up with a much healthier, gluten free, sugar free version of this cake, using Natuvia as a substitute for sugar, almond milk, and almond and rice flour. Additionally, I used an oregano infused olive oil by Iliada for a special and festive flavor that goes amazingly well with apples! The result is one you’ll have to taste to believe! Super fluffy and moist, fresh and exciting with every bite.

CCC Tip: Natuvia is low in calories and 100% natural. 1 tablespoon of granulated Natuvia equals two tablespoons of sugar.